Behind the Scenes: Crafting Supersports: FULL SEND in the Digital Age
Crewe, England – April 2, 2026 – The tire smoke has cleared, but the adrenaline lingers. Today, Bentley lifts the lid on the meticulously orchestrated production of Supersports: FULL SEND, its most dynamic and ambitious film to date, featuring automotive legend Travis Pastrana. This behind-the-scenes reveal sheds light on the unprecedented logistical and creative challenges of this ground-breaking project, shot over three intense days at Bentley’s historic campus in Crewe.
From concept to final cut, Supersports: FULL SEND represents a paradigm shift in how luxury automotive brands engage with their audience. The film, an immersive, action-packed cinematic experience, captures the very essence of the Bentley brand – power, performance, and innovation – in a raw and authentic manner never before attempted by the marque.
A Groundbreaking Vision: The “Pymkhana” Concept
The genesis of Supersports: FULL SEND traces back to April 2025. The introduction of the new Supersports model provided Bentley with the perfect canvas to pioneer a new cinematic language. Internally codenamed ‘Pymkhana’—a play on the legendary Pyms Lane factory address and the high-stakes world of gymkhana—the concept transcended traditional marketing campaigns.
“The initial brief was simple: capture the raw, untamed spirit of the Supersports,” explains Mike Sayer, Bentley’s Head of Product Communications and the film’s Executive Producer. “We wanted to move beyond the static beauty shots and create something that truly reflected the engineering and performance DNA of this incredible machine. The challenge was to do this in a way that was authentic to Bentley, while also delivering the adrenaline-fueled spectacle that Travis Pastrana’s fans expect.”
The idea was first floated internally, with a mix of apprehension and excitement from all parties involved. “There was a moment when we realized the sheer scale of the commitment required,” Sayer recalls. “Closing down a fully operational Bentley factory for three days, involving over 100 people, and executing high-speed stunts safely… it was ambitious, to say the least.”
Yet, with the endorsement of Bentley’s Board of Management, the project moved forward. The R&D department began the arduous process of preparing a development vehicle that could withstand the extreme demands of the film, pushing the Supersports beyond its production-ready limitations.
The Engineering Masterpiece: Preparing the Beast
The technical preparation of the star car was a critical phase of the project. Alistair Corner, Bentley’s Engineering Manager, led the charge in transforming the already-potent Supersports into a precision instrument capable of navigating the treacherous landscape of the factory grounds.
“The mission for our ‘Pymkhana’ car was to turn the already-capable Supersports up to 11,” Corner explains. “We had to strip away the safety features that the production version must include and engineer functionality that would allow the car to dance around the narrow roads of our factory. The team of engineers that developed the car was outstanding, learning on-the-fly and coming up with creative solutions to turn the car into a monster.”
The engineering adjustments were extensive. The electronic Limited Slip Differential was recalibrated for immediate lock-up, while Electronic Stability Control was permanently disabled. Custom software was written to facilitate both static and rolling burnouts, pushing the vehicle to its absolute limits.
The cornerstone of the engineering solution was the design and integration of a working hydraulic handbrake. Working in tandem with the eight-speed double-clutch gearbox, this innovation allowed the driver to execute tight corners with precision, relying on controlled drift rather than pure power-oversteer.
“Crucially, what that special car can now do is an extension of the inherent ability within Supersports,” Corner emphasizes. “The Pymkhana car is a Supersports without limits, that demonstrates what our chassis and powertrain can do when taken to the extreme.”
Alongside the main star car, which has since been inducted into Bentley’s prestigious Heritage Collection, a second, back-up vehicle was prepared to mitigate the risk of any potential damage during filming.
The Artistic Vision: A Bespoke Transformation
The aesthetic transformation of the Supersports was entrusted to renowned graphic artist Deathspray. Working in close collaboration with the production team, Deathspray developed a bespoke, gymkhana-inspired livery that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the film. The design was not merely cosmetic; it was a functional element of the film, designed to enhance the visual impact of the high-speed action sequences.
Custom-painted 22” wheels were fitted, completing the aggressive, track-ready look. For the most dramatic sequences, particularly the climactic moments of the film, a pair of titanium skid blocks were mounted beneath the star car, engineered to generate the spectacular shower of sparks seen during the most challenging maneuvers.
The Dream Team: Travis Pastrana and the Production Squad
The success of Supersports: FULL SEND hinged on the alignment of two exceptional talents: the pioneering engineering and design of Bentley, and the legendary skill of Travis Pastrana. As one of the world’s most accomplished freestyle motocross and rally drivers, Pastrana’s involvement added a layer of authenticity and adrenaline that was critical to the film’s success.
“When we first approached Travis, we were acutely aware that we were asking him to perform within a highly structured environment,” recalls Sayer. “He’s known for pushing the boundaries of physics and gravity, but this was different. We were operating within a confined factory space, with a working campus operating around us. However, Travis’s professionalism and his understanding of safety were exceptional. He embraced the challenge with the same intensity he applies to his own competitions.”
Dates for filming were set for September 26–28, 2025. Before any filming could commence, each scene was meticulously planned and choreographed. The production team, led by Jon Richards, worked tirelessly to ensure that every angle, every drift, and every stunt was executed safely, with minimal risk to the car, the driver, and the factory infrastructure.
Navigating the Labyrinth: Protecting the Production
Operating within a working Bentley factory presented a unique set of logistical and safety challenges. The campus, a hive of innovation and precision engineering, houses critical infrastructure that required meticulous protection. The production team had to navigate a minefield of potential hazards, including gas mains, fiber optic cables, water pipes, and the delicate electrical power supply that serves the entire facility.
“We had to implement a ‘hard-lock’ of the campus for the three days of shooting,” Sayer explains. “Every entrance, every exit, and every surrounding area was completely sealed off to ensure safety. Imagine hundreds of engineers moving around, materials being delivered – we had to create a secure bubble to allow the stunts to happen without endangering the day-to-day operations of the factory.”
Special attention was paid to scenes involving other vehicles, such as the high-speed car park chase sequence with the Pikes Peak Bentleys and the Brooklands burnout sequence. These segments required additional coordination with precision drivers, who worked in tandem with Pastrana to execute the complex choreography.
The Logistics of Excellence: The Crew and the Support
The filming itself involved a squad of over 100 people, a blend of world-class production crew and dedicated support teams from across Bentley. The main filming crew comprised around 25 individuals, including two main camera operators, two drone operators, two minicams technicians, and a three-person crew operating a purpose-built tracking car. This tracking vehicle, a modified first-generation Bentayga W12, was equipped with a U-Crane arm, providing the dynamic camera angles that define the film.
The support teams were equally crucial to the project’s success. A 10-person team of location marshals was responsible for guaranteeing that each location around the factory was completely closed-off for filming. This team worked around the clock, enforcing the perimeter and ensuring the safety of the production.
Further support included 25 vehicle specialists, working in two teams to manage the fleet of vehicles involved in the shoot. A factory support team facilitated access to various locations, while medical and fire crews were on standby to ensure immediate response to any emergencies. The team also included heritage car drivers, who operated the classic Bentleys featured in the film, and a dedicated health and safety unit that monitored every aspect of the production.
Flawless Execution: A Testament to Preparation
Despite the complexity of the shoot, the filming progressed almost without a hitch. Bentley’s commitment to preparation paid off, as the extensive planning ensured that the operations were executed with precision and efficiency.
“The filming days were incredibly intense but ultimately the most fun we’ve ever had at the campus,” comments Sayer. “We were fortunate with the weather, and the star car, the supporting cast of vehicles, and all the teams involved performed to an exceptional standard. Despite the beyond-the-limit driving involved, and speeds exceeding 120 mph, the only damage sustained to person or machine was one smashed wing mirror!”
The seamless execution of the project was a testament to the dedication and professionalism of every single person involved. “I’m grateful to every single Bentley colleague who worked so hard to deliver this unique project for us,” adds Sayer.
The Finishing Touches: Editing and the Digital Spectacle
Following the three-day shoot, the project entered the intensive post-production phase. Director Jon Richards and his team spent three months meticulously editing the footage, weaving together the raw action with the intricate details of the Bentley campus. The result is a film that is both visceral and refined, capturing the raw power of the Supersports while maintaining the sophistication of
